Mad Dog 2020 Casting: in financial difficulties, not paying its workers.

UPDATE. 22.12.2023

Mad Dog have made some payments to some artists but numerous people are still left unpaid and the company is still not reaching out to all those to whom it owes money.

If you are owed money, you should put that in writing to the company and give them a date by which they must settle (and add late payment fees and interest - it is your legal right). If the payment is not forthcoming by then, take out an online claim (small initial fee which is refunded if you win or the company settles). If your work is on a BBC programme, send in a complaint via the BBC complaints form and let Mad Dog know you have done so (ditto to the production company who made the film/show you worked on, who contracted and paid Mad Dog).

The people who make the biggest fuss and the loudest noise are those who get paid first. Make sure that’s you!

Word is in that that the employment agency MadDog2020 Casting is in serious financial difficulty and unable to pay its bills.

Numerous reports have been pouring in over the past week on social media, all telling of extras and supporting artists being left unpaid for their work on a range of productions for which the company has supplied workers.

The company is also - unforgivably - not responding to emails from those who are in various stages of financial distress caused by its failure to meet its obligations. As a result many freelancers have been left in the dark as to when or if they will ever see the money they need to meet their own bills, even more pressing than usual with Christmas around the corner

Managing Director Krissi Mcilquham (Kristin Mcilquham) has been asked if she would contact everyone who is owed money by the company, at least to let them know that she is addressing the situation. She has refused, seemingly uninterested in resolving the chaos she has inflicted on the lives of those who worked for the company in good faith and who are now being treated so badly (her own wages will no doubt be coming in on time and in full well in time for the Christmas break). Financial Controller Alan Jacques was also approached to see if he would address the situation but he didn’t even bother to respond.

This company already has an appalling track record in terms of tax issues, minimum wage concerns and paying its bills on time, this current situation only adding to its many sins. Whether it makes it into the new year is anyone’s guess but one thing is certain: it would be wise to be very cautious in terms of taking any work with this company in the near future as the chances of being paid on time - or at all - are not hopeful.

BECTU are aware and production companies are being notified. Updates will be posted as and when there are any.

Meanwhile - MadDog2020 Casting: Freelancers Beware!